Bob Iger’s Mickey Mouse story

The president and chief executive Walt Disney Co. said he used his opening remarks the D23 Expo — the first convention devoted to its most ardent fans — to make a connection with the faithful.

“I’m sure many of you remember those early years in your life, and those very first, very fond memories of Disney. I’m no different,” Iger told a crowd of 4,000. “As a kid in New York, I sat on the living room floor, closer than my mom wanted to the living room TV, enthralled by “TheMickey Mouse Club.” Then, there was “Davy Crockett” … He was my hero. I idolized him.”

Iger wore his affection for the company on his sleeve — well, almost.

At a news conference, Iger showed off a 1930s era Mickey Mouse watch made by the Ingersoll Waterbury Clock Co. He bought the timepiece in New York City to commemorate Disney’s 1995 acquisition of Capital Cities/ABC television network and station group, where Iger was president and chief operating officer.

“There was this watch in the window, and I said, “Now, I’m a Disney cast member,” joked Iger, who paid $1,100 for the collector’s item.

Mickey Mouse is credited with rescuing the Ingersoll company, which was teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. According toLinda Rosenkrantz of creators.com, the company sold 11,000 watches in a single day at Macy’s.

Iger sports his vintage wrist-wear (with classic Mickey on its face, arms moving to show the hour and minute) for special occasions, like Disney annual meetings.